Congenital Heart Defects

It is not often that one hears of a philanthropic project where other people are roped in, in such a way that they can give vent to their own creativity. That is why I am a part of this venture.

Let me make it clear. I don't know a thing about heart surgery. Even less about congenital heart defects, for that matter. I am a mother of two children. Which is also why I don't particularly care for children, I feel they are brats. There's even a book on this subject by Susan Jeffers called 'I'm OK; You're a Brat', so I can justify my antisocial stance.

So you see, Iam not too interested in doing something like this. Philanthropy, my foot. Haven't I got enough problems of my own to handle before I take on other people's?

But the novelty of this kind of initiative made me take a second look. I'm sick of these charity gathering galas and other donation schemes where hundred percent of the focus is on money. Money collected by swindlers who manage to fool the public into believing sob stories while they're somnambulating before the idiotbox with coke and french fries. In this (Dr. Mani's) scheme, you learn something else, for heaven's sake. And probably earn also while you learn! And whether you donate the proceeds to Dr. Mani or keep them all yourself, you're a better person for having had the sense to respond to a request to help out in what at least has been intended to be a purely altruistic effort.

That is why Iam in this. And this learning exercise is getting to be lots of fun!

Iam sure Dr. Mani is also having a lot of fun. He probably doesn't yet realize the extent of the effort of his exertions. But many people who join to help in this initiative, will find their lives enriched by their involvement in his cause. And the world will be a slightly better place for many, many others.